Public Relations Tips: Event Planning

February 23, 2006

Event budgeting can make or break you

Planning an event budget is almost as important as planning the event itself. You need to make sure you are making a decent profit for the amount of time and work you're putting into this event.

If you plan a budget in writing, you'll be much less likely to spend more money than you have available. It also helps to make sure you're focusing the money in the right places.

Don't forget to put in hidden expenses either: it's rare to have events without them. Hidden expenses include hiring security officers, putting up road blockades, and buying permits, to name only a few.

Plan your entire budget, and then add in 20% extra to cover these hidden costs. You'll probably need this money, and if you don't, you'll be pleasantly surprised. But don't skimp on that budget! Put it in writing, and let it keep you and your staff in check.

This is just one of the many tips found in How to Plan and Promote Sizzling Special Events!

February 22, 2006

The truth about PR - It's about long-term relationships!

The truth is, Public Relations is about long-term relationships. Quite often PR does not make the phone ring today, or even tomorrow, but you're always building. You're building relationships with people who will help you when the time is right. Do not become impatient or frustrated, things will fall into place eventually. Meanwhile, you're building your brand recognition and name awareness.

Whatever happens, know that you can't try to make the phone ring tomorrow. You need to spend the time and effort into making relationships with people of influence, who will turn to you down the road when they need help. Just take your time in creating the important connections that will make business easier in the future.

Read more tips like this The Fastest, Cheapest, Easiest Ways to Publicize Your Small Busines--Even if You're a Solo Entrepreneur.

February 21, 2006

Event planning - how to create the perfect committee

All of us know that committees are key to successful even planning. However, everyone is probably also acquainted with the frustration and miscommunication that accompanies these groups.

When you're in charge of the event, it's important to try to delegate. People serving on committees get burned out and frustrated very easily if they don't have clear-cut jobs.

When you create committees, you need to define what that committee is responsible for, and then you need to have job descriptions for every member of that committee. At first, this is going to seem like a lot of work. However, it will be worth it in the end because everyone will know how much work they are responsible for. It keeps your people energized and aware of the commitment you need.

When setting up your event committees, make sure you take the time to delegate: everything will run smoother.

Read more tips like this in How to Plan and Promote Sizzling Special Events!

February 20, 2006

Key resources for publicity event planning

The most important resource you can have in event-planning is people power. Do you have enough staff? How about volunteers? Events take a lot of work, and even the best people burn out on the job. Make sure you have enough people involved in your planning to get the event off the ground.

Your second most valued resource is time. In reality, you need to allow nine to twelve months to plan an event. Without this time, the stress level goes up exponentially, because you don't have enough time to get everything done, and you can't do it right. The people involved in the planning are likely to be stressed, which impacts the way they work.

Lastly, support is an under-appreciated resource. Consider yourself lucky is you have unquestioning support from your upper management. This is a resource you won't value appropriately until you have to work for it. If at all possible, get the support from your uppers before you get to start the planning process: you never know when you'll need it.

Read more tips like this in How to Plan and Promote Sizzling Special Events!

February 19, 2006

How to choose a date for your publicity event

Since this is the season when people start planning major summer and fall events, we'll be posting event planning tips for the next several days.

Choosing your date and day of the week is a very important part in planning your event.

You obviously want people to come, so it would be easier if you didn't have to compete with their other obligations. That means that weekend events are basically out, unless you have a strong pull for families to come.

During the week, it's common for professional organizations and churches to choose Wednesday for their meetings, so try not to schedule that night. Mondays are often considered family time, and don't forget that they are big days for the football games.

Your best bet is a Tuesday or Thursday, because there will be less competition for time.

Also, be sure to check up on holidays, including the lesser-known ones in your planner.

Depending on your location, you may need to pay close attention to the weather as well: if a snowstorm hits, you'll want to move your event immediately!

Whatever your event may be, you'll get a better turnout if you carefully choose the date.

Read more tips like this in How to Plan and Promote Sizzling Special Events!

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